Hi Fellow Oriole Seekers,
My birding friends and I have been in an Oriole feeder staring contest. We eagerly await the grand arrival of the first Baltimore Oriole to grace us with his presence. Will he show up in flashy orange plumage, or will he leave us hanging like a bad Tinder date?
While Central New Yorkers shovel snow, Baltimore Orioles relax during their winters on tropical beaches in southern Mexico. They sip cocktails and feast on fresh fruit. They also hang out in the northwestern Caribbean islands and along the Gulf Coast. It’s like a fruity buffet!
I’d gladly trade my boots for flip-flops for a tropical winter retreat. Wouldn’t you?
When should we start looking?
Late April and May, they return to their breeding grounds like hungry guests arriving at a fancy house party. The males strut around confidently. They puff out their chests. Their main goal? To dazzle the ladies with their plumage and moves. Think of it as birdie speed dating with more serenading and less awkward small talk!
The male Baltimore orioles’ vibrant orange attire practically screams “Halloween.” Unfortunately for this eager birder, I’ve only heard their musical calls picked up by my trusty Merlin app. Seeing them is at the top of my to-do list. I’m looking to finally spot one at some point. Fingers crossed for a feathered fiesta!
As you know, I can be a tad overprotective about most of the lovely ladies of the bird world. But I must confess, the female Baltimore Orioles hit the style jackpot this time! Going from olive-brown heads to vibrant yellow-orange bellies—now that’s what I call a fashionista.
Feeding Tips
First, you need to find a feeder that suits your environment. See Amazon’s Best Feeders here.
Once you choose the feeder you want, you must decide what to put out for mealtime.
As I mentioned above, orioles have a sweet tooth that most fruits easily satisfy. They are particularly fond of grape jelly and orange halves.
Warning!! Do not put out oranges if you live in bear country. We want to draw birds, not bears!!
If you really want to impress these feathered foodies, use feeders with perches. They are like the deluxe dining booths of the bird world. But wait, there’s more. They won’t turn down sugar water (the same recipe as you use for hummingbirds). How bout some delicious mealworms, the rest of us only dream about? Think of them as their version of gourmet cuisine. They even enjoy suet with fruit pieces for a true fine dining experience! Yum, Yum!
Author’s note: If you choose a low-cost plastic Oriole feeder, don’t put it in the dishwasher. It gets warped and ill-fitting like mine.
As you can see, my Oriole feeder has certainly seen better days. It’s weathered and worn. It is much like a retired athlete clinging to the glory of past triumphs. Despite its faded charm, it’s still bravely hanging in there, a testament to resilience. I have made heartfelt attempts to attract them. Perhaps they simply snubbed my humble dining establishment.
Here it is, upright once again. It stands as a solitary beacon of hope. It’s like the last slice of Pudgie’s pizza at a party, just waiting for someone to claim it. I continue to wait for the vibrant flashes of orange and black to grace its branches once more. It’s as if they’ve taken a vacation and forgot to send a postcard!
Have you spotted a Baltimore Oriole in your backyard yet? Leave a comment to tell me when and where. I’m always curious.
Until next time, avian lovers, keep your eyes peeled, not your oranges. Halving them will do the trick.
